Tips To Prevent Wrinkles In Older Age

Wrinkles are a sign that your skin is aging along with the rest of your body. Some people seem to have a lot more wrinkles than others of the same age. The difference is partially genetic, but also includes factors like lifestyle and skincare. Learning what contributes to aging skin, wrinkles, and volume loss can help you craft a personalized skincare treatment plan, although a professional examination by our board-certified dermatologist can always help.

What Keeps the Skin Firm and Full of Volume?

There are proteins in the skin that make the tissue elastic and firm. When you are young, your skin produces plenty of collagen, a fibrous protein that makes up a large portion of the skin. Elastin is also plentiful when you’re young. Elastin provides elasticity to the skin while collagen gives it firmness and resilience. A gel-like protein called hyaluronic acid is also present in skin, responsible for trapping moisture, keeping the skin well hydrated and full of volume.

What Causes Wrinkles?

As we age, the cells that produce these proteins (collagen and elastin) tend to degenerate. They are particularly sensitive to ultraviolet light. Exposure to the sun hastens deterioration and can cause other complications such as hyperpigmentation and redness. The amount of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid slowly decreases with age. The skin sags, becomes loose and dehydrated, and thus wrinkles. But the main culprit is bone loss. Heredity also plays a role. Some people simply have skin that stands up better to age.

How To Prevent Wrinkles

Protect your skin from sunlight

As a dermatologist will tell you, sun exposure is a leading cause not only of cosmetic concerns but also of skin cancer and other medical conditions. When thinking of preventing wrinkles due to UV exposure:

  • Stay out of the sun as much as possible.
  • If you spend a lot of time outdoors, cover your skin. Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and a hat with a large brim that will not only protect your face, but also the back of your neck. Wear socks and gloves, too.
  • Wear sunscreen. Use one with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 50. The fairer your skin, the higher the number should be.
  • When outside for extended periods of time (more than 2 hours), reapply your sunscreen frequently to ensure it continues protecting your skin.
  • Don’t forget to wear sunglasses with UV protection. Your eyes and the sensitive skin around them can also be damaged by the sun.

Quit Smoking

Another leading cause of many conditions both medical and aesthetic is tobacco use. When it comes to concerns of the skin:

  • Smoking causes the cells that produce collagen and elastin to deteriorate more rapidly.
  • Nicotine in tobacco smoke constricts blood vessels, decreasing the flow of blood to the skin. Therefore, the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach the skin are reduced, putting stress on the skin cells.
  • When you smoke, you likely purse your lips around the cigarette or cigar. The repeated activity tends to cause wrinkles around the mouth.
  • There is some evidence that the heat of the cigarette or cigar can also contribute to the development of wrinkles.

Moisturize Inside and Out

After a certain age, volume loss in the face can lead to a hollow or gaunt appearance that people remedy by using dermal fillers of hyaluronic acid. Ensuring you’re properly hydrated inside and out can help prevent this from happening when you:

  • Drink enough water each day. This is especially important in the summer and in arid areas.
  • Use a moisturizing cream daily. A Trillium Creek dermatologist can recommend one that’s personalized to your concerns, goals, and skin type.

Sleep on Your Back

People who have slept on their sides for years sometimes discover they have wrinkles on one side of their face that aren’t present on the other side. The way you sleep can create wrinkles when your face is pressed into a pillow for a third of each day. Lying on your back ensures your facial skin is away from the pressure of gravity and potentially irritating fabric, although it can be a tough habit to start.

Use Retinoids to Help Regenerate the Cells

Effective anti-aging skincare products use proven active ingredients, including retinoids.

  • Derived from Vitamin A, retinoids have been studied extensively.
  • They have been shown to cause an increase in collagen production in the skin.
  • The compounds also help skin cells to regenerate and aid in the formation of new blood vessels in the skin.
  • Discuss retinoids with your dermatologist. There are several types and strengths. A Trillium Creek dermatologist can provide a detailed and personalized skincare plan for your unique needs and goals during a consultation at one of our convenient locations.

Expert Skin Care Guidance in Ohio

Your skin is your protection from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It faces the world for you. You need to take care of it and protect it for not only cosmetic reasons but for medical ones as well. A knowledgeable and caring dermatologist can help you construct a professional skincare routine including products, treatments, and checkups. For people in Medina, Brunswick, Wooster, and Wadsworth, Ohio, the skilled dermatologists at Trillium Creek Dermatology are here to offer our expertise and advice to help your skin stay young as long as possible. Get started by calling the nearest location or contacting us online today!

We’re here for you!

Set up an appointment with our skilled and experienced staff. Book your appointment online or give us a call at 330.725.0569 and start your journey to quick recovery!

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